- Obituary
- Services
- Condolences
William A. “Bill” Probst, age 80 of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, found peace after a long, courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, April 8, 2019. To honor Bill, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 4th, 2019, at St Patrick’s Church Hall, 237 East Main Street, Benton, Wisconsin, where friends and family may gather anytime between 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Burial will be off the coast of the Pearl Harbor Naval Base at Honolulu, Hawaii, where full military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.
Bill was born on November 26, 1938, in Benton, WI, son of Ambrose and Gertrude (Doyle) Probst. He was a man of diligence, vision and commitment to the task at hand. Following high school graduation from Benton High School, Bill proudly served his country by entering the United States Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. Later, Bill earned a degree from UW-Platteville, and then went on to own and operate Probst Construction for many years, until his health forced him to retire. Bill has left a legacy of countless homes and buildings around the area and he continually strived to create each one better than the last. He was able to design the entire project in his mind from beginning to end, down to the smallest details.
Thankfully, Bill also understood the value of resting from our labors. He thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf, watching college basketball, playing cards and strumming tunes on his guitar. Many family gatherings were spent singing songs, with a round of euchre. We would be remis not to acknowledge the love Bill had for his 4-legged canine companions. He spent his entire life with dogs by his side and his current pride and joy, Bailey will miss him immensely. Although Bill was a skillfully sarcastic gentleman from time to time, Bailey allowed him to show his softer side, cuddling up next to him and brightening his world.
His love for his daughters and grandchildren was never in doubt. If they weren’t near him, you could be sure to hear him talking about them. Bill was known to have kept anything and everything handmade by his children and grandchildren. He was quiet man who proudly processed life internally, but he spoke openly of his pride for his daughters, and their families.
Bill’s loving family includes,
his daughters,
Rebecca (Scott) Bennett
Melissa (Matt) Pasch
and Sarah (Matt) Blankenheim
his 7 grandchildren,
Jake, Ella, Wilton, Wyatt, Kate, Chloe and Charlie
his sister,
Mary (Skip) Lawrence
his brother,
Donald Probst
along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and 3 brothers, Paul, Dave and Rich.
A William A. Probst memorial fund has been established.
Bill’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Memorial Hospital, Upland Hospice and the U.W. Madison Hospital & Clinics for all of their professional, sincere and compassionate care of Bill through these most difficult days.
Online condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
- Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life
St Patrick's Church Hall
237 East Main Street, Benton, Wisconsin
May 4th, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thinking of you Becky and family at this sad time. Prayers sent.
Thank you so much, Paula! We appreciate your kind words and prayers. Love you!
My condolences to Bill’s wonderful family; he was proud of every one! Bill had numerous strengths among them a strong spirit, a dedicated, loving family man & true friend, a straight shooter with no B.S. I loved stories of his young days in the band with his buddies, the humor in serving in The Great Hawaiian War, his thirst for political knowledge that never ended, his pride in construction and true work ethic, and love for his canine companions over the years. He was loved and I shall always remember our special times together. “Keep smiling…”
Thank you so much, Joanne. Your kind words and loving friendship mean so much!
We are so sorry for your loss; we have some great memories of Bill.
We definitely will be at his service.
Love to all.
Thank you Larry and Pattie. The memories go way back! We appreciate your kind words.
Becky, Melissa and Sarah. The Hausers will miss Bill so much. He kept me on my tech game with his phone stuff….and Alan still has his book about “The Deep State” that Bill told him he had to read. Bill is a good man. Love him
Thank you for your kind words and loving support, Tarry.
Though I did not know Bill well, he made a lasting impression of kindness, elegance, generosity and substance. Just an extraordinary human who will be missed! Blessings to his family and friends! Grateful for his time on this earth.
Thank you, Pamela!
Fair winds, following seas and God’s protection, cousin! You’ll be missed.
Thank you, Alan!
To: Rebecca, Melissa, Sara, and all family members.
In the short time I knew Bill I was convinced he was an artist, particularly in the area of home design.
Emmie and I partnered with Bill on the condominium project in Platteville.
The project was responsible for a friendship which developed between my wife, Vel and I, and Bill. He was a good man with a delightful sense of humor. We shared a few martinis and Bill-prepared-meals.
We send our condolences to you and all the family.
Thank you for your kind words, Chuck. We appreciate your kind words and loving support.